We are seeking five experienced Forklift Drivers to join our production and dispatch team - two on the morning shift and three on the night shift. This is a specialised timber-yard role involving the movement of long-length timber packs both inside our machining sheds and outside in yard areas with restricted space. It is not a warehouse or pallet-handling position.

Forklift Drivers – Timber Manufacturing (5 Positions / 2-Shift Operation)

Position: Forklift Driver

Location: Otorohanga, Waikato

Company: OTC Timber Co Ltd

Employment type: Full-time, Permanent

Pay range: $29 – $31 per hour (negotiable based on experience)

Number of Positions: 5

Minimum Hours of Work Per Week: 30

Regular Hours of Work Per Week: 45

Maximum Hours of Work Per Week: 50

About Us

OTC Timber Co Ltd has been manufacturing and remanufacturing timber products in Otorohanga since 1932. We’re a locally owned company employing around 130 staff, known for our safety standards, workmanship, and family-based team culture.

Key Responsibilities

Your duties will be but not limited

• Operate counter-balance and side-loader forklifts to move, stack, and stage long timber packs.

• Load and unload trucks and feed machining lines efficiently.

• Handle product safely in both indoor and outdoor environments.

• Maintain yard organisation, stock placement, and accurate load records.

• Follow all workplace health, safety, and housekeeping procedures.

• Unload Timber from incoming vehicles and stack them to assigned places

• Locate and move stock of products for storage

• Identify damages and report shortages or quality deficiencies

• Transport goods when needed

• Keep updated records of inventory and activity logs

• Comply with company policies and legal guidelines

• Help maintain a safe and orderly environment of the facilities

Skills & Experience Required

• Current OSH Certificate - Forklift Operator – issued by an accredited NZQA Private Training Establishment

• Proven forklift experience in timber manufacturing, sawmilling, or heavy yard operations.

• Demonstrated ability handling long-length timber packs (NOT CHEP pallets or standard warehousing).

• Confident operating in tight or confined spaces around production equipment.

• Reliable

• Physically fit

• The ability to stand for extended periods.

• The ability to use labeling and equipment

• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment

• Safety-focused

• Detail Oriented

You must hold a current OSH Certificate - Forklift Operator – issued by an accredited NZQA Private Training Establishment

OR

2 Years relevant Experience in Forklift Vehicle operation in handling long-length timber packs (NOT CHEP pallets or standard warehousing).

AND

You must Pass a Pre-Employment Drug and Alcohol Test

Hours & Conditions

Two-shift operation:
• Morning shift: 5:00 am – 2:30 pm (2 positions)
• Night shift: 2:30 pm – 12:00 am (3 positions)

Minimum Hours of Work Per Week: 30

Regular Hours of Work Per Week: 45

Maximum Hours of Work Per Week: 50
PPE and ongoing training provided.

Why Join Us

• Secure, long-term employment with a respected New Zealand timber manufacturer.

• Modern equipment, safe facilities, and supportive team culture.

• Opportunities to progress within our operation.